I just returned from a quilting retreat in Pinetop AZ. There were 6 of us. They only take 8. I brought two quilts . Only finished one. I also brought some handwork to do. I never get as much completed as I hope. But I don't want to run out of things to do. Try to precut your blocks. Less room for error. Have fun!

The only retreats that I've ever taken was I got to chose what I wanted to take and then all of the supplies were included. The exception being this year they had my favorite garment teacher, I still got to chose which classes, I did two of hers and then I had to buy the fabric for my top but the $20 pattern was included. I had such a great time.

The first retreat I went to was also the retreat that I was co-chair of. My trunk and entire back seat was full of projects. I got smarter after that. I organized projects in boxes and bags and they were cut and ready to sew. Some only needed borders or to be set, others were cut and ready to go. I did not get bored. I also made a doll at one retreat and went shopping for fabric to complement a piece that I brought along and ended up making a trip around the world. Bring extra projects just in case.

Best advice ever: For my first quilt retreat I was told to bring something fairly mindless. You will be so busy looking around and talking with friends that any project that needs a thought process may be put together backwards. Have your project all cut out and probably take two unless you have a large project. I took 5 comfort quilts ready to sew and finished all 5 tops because I didn't have to think too hard about any of them. I had the time of my life and can't wait for next year!

This retreat is bring your own project, or try one of theirs. Included are meals by the hosts husband who is a fabulous cook! We stay overnight at local hotels and the pools are a good way to stretch after sewing all day.

I like to take hand and machine sewing projects. Its always nice to stop and sit and work on something by hand. I always bring several projects, mostly UFOs. I noticed that some people take the same UFOs away every year and only work on them on retreats. I take several because I never know what I want to work on. A word of advice is, if you want to start a new project, do all your cutting at home before you go away. You don't want to waste your time cutting and you never know if the space will be available. Have a blast!